Balloon Sinuplasty

Balloon Sinuplasty is an minimally invasive in-office treatment option for chronic sinusitis

First, what is chronic sinusitis and how is it different from acute sinusitis?

Common symptoms of both acute and chronic sinusitis can include fatigue or weakness, general malaise, low-grade fever, pressure in the face (including cheeks, jaw, teeth, behind the eyes or forehead), headache, sore throat, postnasal drip, cough, congestion, loss of smell or bad breath.

Acute sinusitis is a sudden onset of inflammation in the sinuses that typically lasts for less than 4 weeks, and often starts with a viral or bacterial infection. Early treatment of acute sinusitis usually involves a variety of treatment options including nasal irrigation (rinsing sinuses with a saline solution), decongestants, pain relievers, steroid nasal sprays, antihistamines and/or antibiotics. If your sinusitis symptoms are not sufficiently resolved with early treatment options, and your symptoms persist for at least 3 months, you may be experiencing chronic sinusitis.

Chronic sinusitis is a long-term inflammation of the sinuses that lasts for at least 3 months. It is often referred to as Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) because it is accompanied by nasal airway inflammation and often begins with rhinitis symptoms. Chronic Rhinosinusitis is one of the most common chronic diseases in the US, and affects people of all ages.

What are treatment options for chronic sinusitis?

Early treatment options for chronic sinusitis can include nasal irrigation (rinsing sinuses with a saline solution), decongestants, pain relievers, steroid nasal sprays, antihistamines and/or antibiotics. People who continue to experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, headaches, and facial pain despite trying other treatments may be good candidates for Balloon Sinuplasty.

What is Balloon Sinuplasty?

Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic sinusitis. It involves the use of a small, flexible balloon catheter to dilate (open) blocked sinus passages and improve sinus drainage. The procedure is performed using local anesthesia and is less invasive than traditional sinus surgery.

During the procedure, a small balloon is inserted through the nostrils and guided to the blocked sinus passageway. The balloon is then gently inflated, which opens up the blocked passage and restores normal sinus drainage. The balloon is then deflated and removed, leaving the newly opened sinus passageway.

The goal of Balloon Sinuplasty is to provide long-term relief from chronic sinusitis symptoms, such as nasal congestion, headaches, and facial pain. It is performed as an outpatient procedure and does not require general anesthesia, allowing for faster recovery times compared to traditional sinus surgery.

What are the benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty?

For people struggling with chronic sinusitis, a minimally invasive solution like Balloon Sinuplasty can bring significant relief to symptoms. Balloon Sinuplasty aims to improve sinus drainage and air flow, resulting in reduced symptoms such as nasal congestion, headaches, and facial pain.

  • Safe and Effective – While use of any surgical instrument involves some risk, clinical studies have shown the Balloon Sinuplasty™ system to be safe and effective in relieving symptoms of sinusitis.

  • Minimally Invasive – The technology uses small, soft, flexible devices that are introduced thru the nostrils. These devices gently open blocked sinus openings.

  • Reduced Bleeding – Because in many cases, no tissue or bone is removed during surgery using this technology, there may be reduced bleeding. As a result, the need for uncomfortable nasal packing may also be eliminated.

  • Fast Recovery Time – While recovery time varies with each patient, many people can return to normal activity within 24 hours.

  • Does not limit treatment options – The Balloon Sinuplasty technology is an endoscopic tool and may be used with other medical therapies or surgical techniques. It does not limit future treatment options if you have a progressive disease.

Am I a candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty?

Balloon Sinuplasty is a less invasive surgical option that can provide relief for many people suffering from chronic sinusitis symptoms that haven’t improved with other, more conservative treatments. However, people with severe nasal polyps or severe structural abnormalities of the sinuses may not be good candidates for Balloon Sinuplasty.

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If you have questions regarding the Balloon Sinuplasty procedure or would like to make an appointment, please contact us today!